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Here you will find answers to the basic questions you have about SimplyClouds and our services. Select the category of questions that fits your interest. Contact us if you can't find the information you need.

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Questions & answers

  • What is SimplyClouds?

    SimplyClouds provides you an easy, cost-effective way to explore the world of cloud computing at your own pace.  You have a wide variety of options with SimplyClouds; you can try our Hosted Desktop, use our Hosted Apps to migrate your data and other information to the cloud, or choose our Hybrid Cloud to move only some of your applications to the cloud, and with our Hosted Security we keep everything safe.  Every tool you use everyday, accessible where and when you need it.

  • How does SimplyClouds work?

    SimplyClouds has a wide variety of applications, including Microsoft Office 365 and other Microsoft programs, that run on servers in the cloud.  We work with you to migrate your business applications and desktop(s) to the cloud, and provision them to you and your workforce.  When your applications are in the cloud, you and your team can access them from anywhere at anytime on virtually any device.  So business goes on as usual, whether you’re in the office or not.  Your information is protected by our security and enterprise-grade firewalls, and our intrusion detection systems, with 24/7 monitoring, guarded access and surveillance.

  • What are SimplyClouds's key advantages?

    SimplyClouds makes moving to the cloud as easy as ordering everyday items online.  No technical knowledge is needed, only the desire to learn how cloud services can improve your work life and productivity.  SimplyClouds will do the rest. 

    SimplyClouds provides you with an easy-to-use and friendly interface so you can order, manage and provision services as necessary, without the need for an IT professional. 

     You can also benefit from variable expenses instead of capital expenses; instead of having to invest in servers and other expensive hardware for your business, SimplyClouds allows you to pay only for computing resources, and only for how much you use.

    Software upgrades are available virtually immediately at low or no cost, and are implemented automatically.

  • What advantages does a cloud server have over a dedicated server?

    Cloud servers are a great option for businesses that need to optimize IT performance without the huge costs and resources associated with purchasing and managing a fully dedicated infrastructure.  With Cloud servers, you only pay for the exact amount of server space used, and have the benefit of unlimited flexibility. You can add resources as needed, and server use can scale up or down, depending on demand, meaning that you can avoid paying for idle infrastructure costs when demand is low.

  • Can I try your services first?

    Of course!  Take advantage of our 30-day desktop trial and experience the benefits of working in the cloud for yourself.  We will move your applications to the cloud enabling you to work from anywhere to collaborate and share information with your team.  After 30 days, we're sure you'll want to continue to enjoy all the benefits fo cloud computing!

  • How does the trial work? What do I need to do?

    To take advantage of the 30-day free trial, simply fill out this form and  we'll be in touch quickly to set up your account.   You can then work confidently and securely for 30 days, knowing your files are accessible from anywhere and shareable with your team, increasing productivity and collaboration.  You'll soon experience the benefits of working in the cloud!

  • What is a hosted desktop?

    A SimplyClouds Hosted Desktop is just like your traditional desktop, right down to your wallpaper and shortcuts, but is accessed over the Internet.  Once you have a hosted desktop, it will be accessible on virtually any device (tablet, smart phone) and so will its associated data.. Your programs, applications, and data will be available to you and your team anywhere and anytime, increasing your ability to communicate and your productivity.

  • What are the advantages of a Hosted Desktop?

    Our Hosted Desktop gives you the freedom to access your applications and files from any device – including tablets, smartphones and other personal devices, in addition to your office desktop system – wherever you are in the world, 24/7.

    A SimplyClouds Hosted Desktop gives you a single, highly secure access point for all your applications and files, wherever they are, including our cloud, 3rd party public clouds – like those from Amazon, Microsoft and Google – and on-premise servers, through our exclusive Hybrid Cloud technology, making our Hosted Desktop truly powerful and versatile.

  • What is a Hybrid Desktop?

    In a Hybrid Desktop, some of your applications run in the cloud while others still run off of your existing in-house servers. A SimplyClouds Hosted Desktop can be configured to access both applications in the Cloud and on your in-house servers, providing a consistent virtual desktop experience.

  • What are the advantages of a Hybrid Desktop?

    A Hybrid Desktop allows you to keep some of your applications and data locally, while moving some to the cloud, giving you great flexibility in how you would like to work.

    It also allows you to test the cloud in a limited way before moving everything over, and can show you how cost-effective and scalable clooud services are.

  • What kind of network does SimplyClouds run on?

    We provide hosted servers for your exclusive use; we guarantee 99.99% uptime, and your data is protected by enterprise-grade firewalls and intrusion detection systems, with 24/7 monitoring, guarded access and surveillance. And as your business needs expand, you can upgrade to a wide variety of cloud services on Microsoft Azure, an enterprise-grade cloud computing platform.

  • Do you have any SQL Server hosting?

    We have a wide variety of servers available that can be configured to meet your needs.  We will work closely with you to ensure that your data will be hosted correctly and securely, and will be available whenever you need it.

  • How do I register in the SimplyClouds Marketplace?

    Once you have decided to take advantage of SimplyClouds offerings, you can either contact us to help you get started, or click the register button in the right-hand corner on the SimplyClouds Marketplace page.  Once registered, you can begin to purchase and provision services.

  • What can I order and how do I order it?

    On the Marketplace page, you will find a wide variety of applications and services that you can order. Click on the product icon to get additional details such as Overview, Pricing and Add-ons, Support, and other information.  If you still have questions, we will be happy to work with you to help you make the best choices for your business.  Just contact us for more information.

  • What are my options?

    SimplyClouds provides more options than is possible to list here, so we advise you contact us for the most customized suggestion, and you can always check out our Marketplace to see the products and services we offer.

  • How long does it typically take to set up an account?

    Setting up an account is quick and easy.  Fill out the required information, including a username and password.  Within a few minutes, you will receive an email from SimplyClouds informing you of your account activation.

    Next, you will receive an email sending you to an encrypted email site where you will access your account information, including the URL of your cloud-based site, and your NEW username and password.

    Go to the site, login in, and you can get started! 

  • How long will it take to activate my account?

    Account activation happens within a few minutes after you set up your account.  You will receive an email as soon as your account has been activated, and a second email with the information needed to login to your new account.

  • How can I add/delete users?

    Once you are logged into your SimplyClouds online Management Portal, select "My Workspace" from the horizontal menu, and then go to the "Users Directory."  In the "Users Directory" you have the ability to add users as well as view all users.

  • Can different users have different diskspace or different plans?

    Yes, you can provision different applications to your staff, depending on their needs, give them secure access appropriate to their job function, and allot disk space according to their job requirements.  You can also make changes to assignments whenever you need to using our simple account management interface.

  • Is there a minimum term I register for?

    No, there is no minimum term.  You simply sign up for the services you want using the online Management Portal, and then add or remove users and services as needed. 

  • Can I change or update my order(s)?

    Yes!  If you need to increase or decrease your deployments, the SimplyClouds management portal web page makes it easy to implement changes, add on services, or remove users.

  • What forms of payment do you accept?

    We accept payment by credit card; MasterCard, Visa, and American Express.   On a case-by-case basis we may extend net terms.  Please contact us to learn more.

  • How am I billed?

    You sign up for monthly services, and then are billed for them one month in advance at the beginning of the month.  (Each recurring monthly charge is for the coming month.)  You may cancel or change your services at any time using the online Management Portal. You will be charged for the rest of the month (as you have already paid for it in advance), and the subscription will be canceled before the next billing cycle.

    If you begin your subscription after the first of the month, your charge will be pro-rated through the end of the  month.

    If you use the Microsoft Azure hosting service, you are charged by usage, and are billed at the END of the month. 

  • When do you charge my credit card?

    We charge your card on the first of every month. 

  • Can you charge my card on a specific date?

    No, we cannot charge your card on a specific date.  It is charged on the first of every month. 

  • Do I get 24x7 support?

    We provide support during normal business hours, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Pacific Time, via phone and email.  You can expect help within one business day or sooner.  You may also login to your account and submit a Help ticket.  No matter how you submit a support request it will be associated with your account so you can keep track of your requests and replies.

  • Who can submit a support request?

    Anyone who is on the account may submit a support request via email or phone, and the request will be associated with your account.  However onine support tickets can only be submitted by the Marketplace account administrator, usually the person who set up the account.

  • How does support work? Are there any limitations?

    SimplyClouds provides its customers with first-line "up-and-running" support for the apps and services purchased.  That means we'll ensure that your apps and services are functional and accessible from the cloud.

    Although anyone may submit a support request via phone or email, the marketplace administrator should try log all issues through the support tab of the corresponding product or service.   SimplyClouds will be in touch within 24 business hours*.  We will do our best to resolve immediately any issues you have.  If your request requires additional work or customizations, we will refer you to our Professional Services team.  

    *Business hours are Monday - Friday,  8:00 am - 6:00 pm Pacific Time.

  • How quickly will you respond to my support request?

    We try to respond to support requests within 24 business hours.  Support hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Pacific Time.

  • Does SimplyClouds have access to my data?

    No, SimplyClouds provides the servers and the access to your data, but all your information remains private.

  • What type of security does the cloud provide?

    The cloud provides several important layers of security to prevent unauthorized access to your information:

    a)   Identity management: It authorizes the application services.

    b)   Access control: Permission has to be provided to the authorized users so that they can control the access of another user who is entering into the cloud environment.

    c)    Authentication and Authorization: Allows only the authorized and authenticated user to access the data and applications.

  • Is there a firewall enabled?

    Yes, our servers are protected by enterprise-grade firewalls, and intrusion detection systems, with 24/7 monitoring, guarded access and surveillance.

  • Is there any chance of data loss?

    The possibility of data loss is miniscule.  Your data is spread across several redundant servers, meaning that if one goes down, one of the other servers will immediately take its place.  Since your data is kept on several servers, it is very unlikely that you will experience data loss.  We also guarantee 99.99% uptime.

  • Do you offer backups?

    Your data is hosted on a number of redundant servers, meaning that each one of them is a backup.  However, if you would like to allocate some of your server space to doing your own backups, you may do so.  We suggest you consult with us before implementing your own backup as it may incur unnecessary expense.